The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-06-18
THOSE CONFEDERATE FLAGS
AGAIN.

In another column we publish inter
views with well known members OF
the Grand Army OF the Republic resi-
dent in this city touching the conduct
of Ex. Gov. Fairchild in regard to the
restoration OF the Confederate flags to
the Southern States. Maj. Edgington
and Capt. Aldridge agree in condemn
ing the hot haste Of Fairchild and bis
excess Of passion and intemperance OF
speech in the imprecations he uttered
with such heroically dramatic vehe-
mence before, the ex.soldiers ct Hsr-
lem. They have no sympathy with
this scheming politician who has fixed
his eyes upon the Vice-Presidency as
the goal Of his ambition. They are
quite satisfied from what they know
OF the Grand Army organization that
1t cannot be used for sectional or parti-
san purposes. At least one-third OF
the members Of II are Democrats who
would not follow Gov. Fairchild In
his purpose after political prefer
ment, but, on the contrary, would
oppose him. They also believe
that majority Of their fellow soldiers
who are Republicans would rebuke
any attempt to use them for a politi-
cal preferment. When the Grand Army
was reorganed some eight years ago 1t
WAS then agreed and understood that
politics was to be carefully eliminated
from It's proceedings and purposes.
This was deemed essential to its use
fulness as soldier organization. So
strong was and Ia this non-partisan
feeling In the estimation OF Capt Aid
ridge, that he believes q proposition
TO the Grand Army to restore the Oon-
federate flags to the Southern Sta tes
might have been carried by q large
The people Of the South
who have made almost every advance
toward good fellowship that has been
recorded, would prefer to believe that
this is correct statement OF the atti'
tude and disposition Of the GrandArmy
Of the Republic. They do not wish to
believe that there is an organized
body Of citizens anywhere hostile 20
the peace Of the Republic, sectional in
it's purpose and determined to exer-
else that purpose despotically and de-
structivsly where the Southern States
or the Southern people are concerned.
They would prefer to believe that
Capt. Aldrich aud Mai. EdgiDRton are
right rather than be convinced that
the deep, envenomed hate that ami
mated FairChild and that In cold
blood was Endorsed by four Governor
lie fair expression Of the opinion 81
to this section that prevails at thu
North. What hope would there b.
for peace or the perpetuity OF tn
Republic II Fairchilds's extremity @
passion WAS to be accepted as tn
measure Of settled or growing pub
lie opinion at the North. That h,
has strong following is ev
denced by the sentiments
the Governors Of Nebraska, Ohi'
Wisconsin and Kansas. But that WI
to be expected. The ianstiCism thi
is impatient Of everything that Of
poses its will finds in these States
quick response to all its venoms 40
its hRtes, The picture once 80 cor
mon at the North Of the slave driviI
Southerner has been perpetusted
those communities, and is yet the
type OF our best men. Measuring o,
status by their assumptions of God
ness, the people Of the South q
weighted with wickedness ss the o
spring OF those who were respopsit
for the "sum OF all villsinies," SLAYER
They hate us with holy hatrt
Bigotry and intolerance, parts
venom and sectional hate linger
long with the world, Civilization
too great q height to be reached II
century, even in free country a
under the stimulus OF liberty. I
currents OF human ssl6shness q
desire are too many and too devio
They run counter to each other, q
at the end OF cycles provoke the aw
cllamities that prevent and him
the contamination Of all that mar
capable Of in the direction Of perl
and just government.
GEEL. DRUA's LETTER.
The letter OF Adjutant Gem